If you want to keep you quality employees happy and engaged, it’s important that you give them an opportunity to enjoy some of what summer has to offer. Here we offer some perks you can extend to your employees this summer. They will appreciate the relaxed workplace and pay you back in increased productivity and loyalty.
Institute Summer Office Attire
When the mercury rises nobody wants to put on business clothes. Suits, ties and high heels may be required in some industries, but most are not affected by a more casual dress code. A summer dress code can make your employees more relaxed and comfortable, leading to increased productivity. Be sure to establish limits and to consider the appropriate attire for any customer facing employees.
Summer Schedule
Many businesses institute a summer schedule to allow their employees more time to enjoy the summer weather and the activities it invites. There a numerous levels of summer schedule and you can decide on what is the best fit for your business. Some businesses allow their employees to come earlier in order to leave earlier in the afternoon. Many give paid half days on Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Others give workers the opportunity to have every, or every other, Friday off in the summer. When you run a business that is off season in the summer and notoriously slow, allow for unlimited vacation days. Employees are still accountable for completing any work they are responsible for, but when they don’t have something going on, they can take off…and nobody is tracking their time. Most employees love this perk so much that they don’t want to lose it, so no one takes advantage of it…and productivity actually goes up.
Plan Team Building Adventures
Instead of holding meetings and team building activities in a windowless conference room, take those meetings on the road. Meet in the great outdoors, at a museum or a restaurant. Enjoy getting to know each other in a more relaxed atmosphere. Company picnics or barbecues are another great way to get to know your staff better, improving communication back on the job.
Extended Lunch Breaks
Instituting longer lunch breaks gives your employees a chance to get out of the office and enjoy the sunny summer weather. Folks come back to work invigorated and relaxed.
Treat Them to a Treat
Who doesn’t love a popsicle, snow cone or ice cream treat when it’s hot outside? Treat your employees to a trip to the ice cream shop, or for even more fun hire an ice cream truck to visit your business. Even on a smaller budget you can bring in a variety of treats from the grocery store for your employees to enjoy.
It is very important to make your company a fun place to work. Taking advantage of the slower pace of the summer and giving your employees some well deserved perks can keep them happier all year long. We all know that happy employees are productive and loyal employees, and that can only be good for your bottom line. So get creative and have fun making the summer fun for your employees.
